Microsoft has reached a patent licensing agreement with Hon Hai group to protect the latter from prosecution when it produces Google's Android and chrome operating systems, according to CNET, a US technology information website, on Tuesday.
Hon Hai has paid an unknown royalty for a package of patents owned by Microsoft, according to a statement issued by the two companies late Tuesday.
Microsoft has long claimed that chrome and Android infringe its patents. However, Microsoft did not give vent to Google for this reason. Instead, it focused on the device manufacturers, forcing them to sign licensing agreements with Microsoft.
After signing the agreement with Hon Hai, Microsoft said its patent protection agreement already covers most hardware manufacturers, which make more than half of the world's Android smartphones.
Prior to this, Microsoft has signed similar agreements with Acer, HTC, Uber, Nikon, Compal Electronics, quanta computer and Weichuang.
Google is very dissatisfied with Microsoft's practice, and said its products did not infringe Microsoft patents.